Swift - Starting the New Year training with Swift 1/7/13 - A long read...

MSR is a great brand. I can solidly recommend any product they make (and now they are totally owned by REI). Moosetek's link for that water purifier would be perfect.

When I was a boy we used to hike a lot in the Cascades and Olympics, drinking great tasting water right from the streams. Then came giardia, a nasty little parasite from the Himalaya, brought back by trekkers and climbers. It spread throughout North America. Then it wasn't an option to drink from the streams anymore without treating or boiling the water.

Then came these water purifiers with the filters, and that made a huge difference. Within minutes you can pump enough water into your water bottle to last all day.

I know that Camelback also has an integrated water purifier pump that fits their bladders, so that might be a good option as well.

At any rate, you will end up with much better tasting water (and coffee) with a filter than you would if you add iodine or other antibacterial to the water.

 

Vernon is a small town about 20 miles away from Commerce. Plenty of parking on the side streets and no one will bother you. There is a McDonald's (edit) with truck parking (edit)on the corner of Soto and Bandini but it is usually full up, once you get there start looking for little side streets to the southeast of that location. I would saya go south on Soto about 2 or 3 blocks then left, then look for other trucks parked all night, find you a hidey hole and take it like you own it.

 

One thing that I always taught my student, do not rely on the GPS, but also use MAC 23. I had one that did not listen and came into a Costco from the back way. I made him get out of the mess himself. The GPS will get you there, but on MAC 23, they might have something that actually gets you to the docks. The GPS might get you to the front of the building, and when you get there, you might find out that you needed to turn on a street before you got to the front.

 

You can get purifier straws also on Amazon, handy in an emergency,I had a 96 KLX650R and the can be plated(kickstart only but was really easy) very dependable bike that is why the Army uses them! Also must say I have read this entire thread from the beginning as I have been deciding if I want to get my CDL A, with Swift, Awesome read! I'm 58 and was just laid-off in Feb. and want to try a different career. I have done constuction, was a Machinist for 30yrs and the last 8yrs managed a Drug And Alcohol rehab. I Swift won't take me(CRST turned me down, past Felony conviction/prison time 94-97) then I will try WIA or just pay with a credit card! I too have that wondering soul(single and duaghter is grown) plus I have always rode bikes(H-D and KTM Dualsport). Wish I could write as well as you do, very intertaining, my mind is made up, just need to see if someone wil pay or if I will have to pay! I think overall you have done well with all the BS you have dealt with so far. I'm looking at taking a test for the WIA tommorrow, if I pass I will start in July, if Swift will take me maybe sooner(back ground check first) if I pay I can start anytime at ASD in Fontana,CA (which is where CRST sends there students) and then I could possiblely start with a different Co., ASD has job placement assistance for life! I have leard alot through your experieces, hopefully I can remember enough to ask A LOT of questions to help with my training! You should think about at least condensing a lot of what you have written about problems, things they did not teach you etc. and make a guide fro us Newbee's! Looking forward to reading more!

 

I see by your pic 'Swift' on the trailer, do you still drive for them? O/O or Company? If so what do you think of the deal Swift paying for a student?Nice rig too!

 

I remember one time getting a message from my terminal that a driver did not do it, followed the GPS into a Wal-mart store, ended up hitting a couple of cars trying to get out. The MAC 23 would have save his butt.